PSG go for three in a row as Champions League returns

This week marks the start of a new UEFA Champions League season, with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) aiming to become the latest club to win three titles in a row. Last season, PSG triumphed over Arsenal in Budapest after a penalty shootout, securing the trophy they had won for the first time a year prior. The French club has already proven their prowess in recent years by clinching consecutive Champions League trophies, an achievement previously accomplished only by Real Madrid between 2016 and 2018, along with Ajax (1971-73), Bayern Munich (1974-76), and Real Madrid (1956-60).

Luis Enrique, PSG's coach, has made it clear that winning the Champions League remains their top priority, stating, "Our objectives are clear. I want to win important trophies and there are none more important than the Champions League." This determination comes as the new Champions League format features 36 teams in the league phase, each playing eight games against eight different opponents.

PSG faced challenges in the previous two seasons, as they failed to secure a top-eight finish and had to navigate additional play-off rounds to reach the knockout stages. The Parisians will face familiar opponents in Manchester City, Barcelona, and Aston Villa.

The growing financial dominance of Europe's super clubs, such as Arsenal in the Premier League, suggests that a non-super club winning the Champions League may become an increasingly unlikely event. Arsenal, the Premier League's financial powerhouse, has lost in the quarter-finals, semi-finals, and final over the past three years, making the next logical step for Mikel Arteta's side a return to the semi-finals. Meanwhile, Manchester City and Liverpool join returning Manchester United and Aston Villa in the competition.

Bayern Munich, a formidable force in European football, will be a key contender, while Jose Mourinho returns to Real Madrid with the aim of leading them back to continental glory. Barcelona, eager to add another trophy to their collection, could potentially challenge PSG for the crown. However, the presence of Inter Milan and Atletico Madrid adds intrigue, as both teams are desperate to reach a final hosted at their respective stadiums.

Additionally, Porto, the only club outside Spain, England, Germany, Italy, and France to have won the Champions League in the last 30 years, exemplifies the fresh faces that will bring new energy to the tournament.